David Plazas is the Opinion and Engagement Director for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He has written award-winning editorials and columns on issues ranging from affordable housing to government accountability. He oversees the opinion team and strategy for multiple large and small publications across the state including The Tennessean. He also leads The Tennessean’s Civility Tennessee campaign on civic engagement and recently delivered a TEDx talk on the art and science of public disagreement. During COVID-19, Plazas started the Tennessee Voices podcast, featuring conversations with leaders, thinkers and innovators statewide that has produced more than 160 episodes since March 2020. Plazas chairs The Tennessean’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, which has led efforts to create more equity in coverage, the newsroom and special projects. The group has been critical to a new Black Tennessee Voices initiative to tell stories for and with the Nashville area’s Black community. Prior to moving to Tennessee, he lived and worked in Fort Myers, Florida for 14 years, serving as an editor and reporter at The News-Press. He holds a bachelor’s in political science and Spanish and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern U. and an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast U. He and his family live in Nashville’s Salemtown neighborhood. Hobbies: Running, swimming, fitness, cooking, reading, guitar playing, and watching documentaries and SciFi shows.